Hostels in Scotland: Blackhouse hostel on the Isle of Lewis

Part of the Gearrannan Black House Village, The Gearrannan Hostel was ‘Taigh Dhonnchaidh’ (Duncan’s House) with its solid drystone walls and thatched roof. It has been newly refurbished inside to sleep 13 including a 3 bed family room. The hostel (available to individuals) has a well equipped kitchen and cosy warmth from radiators heated with renewable energy. The bedrooms have cosy bunk-beds, and all linen is provided. There are two modern shower rooms. The bunkhouse (group only), Taigh Làta (John MacLeod’s house) sleeps 14 in bunks, with heating, solid fuel stove, a kitchenette and hot showers. The perfect base for visitors to enjoy the many and varied local attractions from surfing at the local stunning beaches to country walks, archaeology, cycling, wildlife and more. Further accommodation available in Blackhouse holiday cottages. It is advisable to buy your provisions before arrival as there are no shops nearby.

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Oh Wow! Take a look at The Gearrannan Hostel , part of the Gearrannan Black House Village! Surely this is one of the most amazing locations to stay in Britain.

Not only is it on the Isle of Lewis, so you know you’ll be guaranteed great wildlife, wilder weather and stunning scenery, but the hostel is a cluster of traditional Black Houses.

We see buildings like this all over the coast of the UK – long houses in Wales, crofts on the Scottish coast. They’re built from local materials and designed to shelter the humans and livestock from the worst of the elements. You’d be staying in a living history with its solid double – drystone walls and thatched roof. On the inside, though, they have been newly refurbished inside to sleep 13 with a well equipped kitchen and cosy warmth from radiators and showers heated with renewable energy.

Gearranan Hostel is an ancient blackhouse in a village unchanged for hundreds of years. Built in a sheltered sandy cove of the Atlantic Ocean on Lewis, the furthermost outreach of the Outer Hebridean islands. From the hostel follow the waymarked walk to Dalmore Beach and onwards to Dalbeg Beach. Pick up a pamphlet at the hostel to read about the history, archaeology and wildlife that you pass. A four mile round trip gives you three hours of glorious peace walking on moorland and coast. For more history and the ghosts of yesteryear you can walk to the south from Gearranan to find the deserted township of Laimishader.